“ Regardless of its location, erection of such a controversial monument, from the very beginning, favors one side’s narratives on the tragic events of 1915.

It will not only and unfairly stigmatize the Turkish community living in Geneva and entire Switzerland as well, but also ingrain prejudice and hatred upon the minds of future generations which will eventually have some negative effects on the integrity of the Swiss society.

Such a monument will also run counter to the reputation of Geneva as an international city of social peace and harmony and will stand as a scar on the beautiful face of the city of Geneva.

Furthermore, there is no political, scientific or academic consensus to describe the events of 1915. Following the European Court of Human Rights Grand Chamber’s Judgment on the case Perinçek vs. Switzerland and the decision of the International Court of Justice regarding the case of Croatia v. Serbia, legal debate is concluded. In face of these international court decisions, which specifically draw the line by concluding on the legal aspect, as well as referring to the controversy of 1915 events, any effort to politicize this issue will have no bearing other than being considered null and void.

Turkey’s position regarding 1915 events is not one of a denial. It is our hope and belief that the peoples of an ancient and unique geography, who share similar customs and manners will be able to talk to each other about the past with maturity and to remember together their losses in a decent manner. To this end, Turkey’s proposal regarding the establishment of a joint historical commission composed of Turkish and Armenian historians together with other international experts, to study the events of 1915 in the archives of Turkey, Armenia and third countries is still valid. This offer was also part of the Protocols which were signed between Turkey and Armenia on 10 October 2009 in Zurich with the facilitator role of Switzerland. However, on February 2015, these Protocols have been withdrawn from the Armenian Parliament without ratification.

To summarize, such a monument, interpreting the events of 1915 on the basis of preconceptions and opinions, is simply disregarding the law and should not be erected anywhere in Geneva. This is neither understandable nor acceptable.

We also expect that this matter will be treated in an objective and scientific way in Switzerland which is a traditionally neutral country.

Our established and principled stance on this issue is very well known by our counterparts.”